In 1981, Siouxsie and the Banshees reconvened to once again work with producer Nigel Gray on what became the band’s fourth album, Juju. The band further developed their mix of post punk, art rock, industrial, and goth into and intriguing mix of songs. “Spellbound” got a new lease on life in 2022 when it was used on the TV show, Stranger Things. The top 20 single sees intricate guitar playing and influential guitar tone from John McGeoch. Drummer Budgie powers the song underneath and replicates the sound of falling down the stairs one of the band’s finest songs.
Second single “Arabian Knights” sees the band continuing to fire on all cylinders. Scathing lyrics from Siouxsie about middle eastern culture and it’s treatment of women, once again powered by Budgie and a bass swing from Steven Severin. “Into The Light” is gloomier yet also contains arguably Siouxsie’s best vocal performance on the album while “Monitor” sees guitar bristle, introducing a bit of an industrial element to the sound.
On side two, “Sin In My Heart” starts as a bit of a dirge before picking up steam before the first verse starts, drums pounding, the track then sees the band in full rock flight. Most tracks on the album have a darkness to them, whether the song is about stepping into death’s light or on “Night Shift” about the Yorkshire Ripper serial killer, yet it never turns into a slog. Juju has been hailed as a classic in some circles and highly influential on future alternative rock bands, many specifically citing the guitar work of John McGeoch. Another must hear album from this inventive band.
9/10
The Light Appears 
Sometimes I like the idea of Siouxsie more than the idea of actually listening to her, but I liked this. The drumming really does sound like that!
Hi Steve – Haha, I do know what you mean. I have enjoyed going back to discover more of their back catalogue. Some real gems in there.
I have stumbled across a good one here and there so really should dive in sometime, Michael! I am sure there’s a lot to discover.